Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Texas Ranked

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand, eliminating the standby energy loss of a traditional tank. For Texas homeowners, this means a more efficient system that can handle large households and never runs out of hot water. Finding a qualified, licensed professional is crucial for a safe and code-compliant installation or repair, as the process involves complex gas, electrical, and plumbing work. This guide outlines what you need to know to navigate the process and connect with experienced local specialists.

Chambliss Plumbing Company

1875 E Borgfeld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78260

Chambliss Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing business serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby communities since 1991. They offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and sewer camera inspections. The company is a certified Rinnai ACE dealer with plumbers trained in multiple levels of Rinnai tankless water heater expertise. Chambliss Plumbing uses advanced equipment for leak detection and provides hydro jetting to clear clogged drains. With over 30 years of experience, they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and provide emergency service when needed.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

Trident Plumbing

15222 King Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX 75034

Trident Plumbing provides a range of plumbing services in Garland, TX, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. Their team includes Master Plumbers, licensed Journeymen, and Technicians who receive ongoing professional education. Trident Plumbing also offers specialized slab leak detection and repair, supporting both residential and commercial plumbing needs.

5.0

1.3k Reviews

Bow Tie Plumbing

1285 N Main St Suite 306, Mansfield, TX 76063

Bow Tie Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Arlington, TX, and the broader DFW area. With over 50 years of combined experience, they offer a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. The company uses advanced techniques such as hydrostatic and smoke testing to identify plumbing issues and provides specialized services like tunneling for foundation access. Bow Tie Plumbing is known for transparent pricing, free estimates within 24 hours, and a 1-year labor warranty on their work.

5.0

796 Reviews

O'Bryan Plumbing Services

800 Fulgham Rd Suite 35, Plano, TX 75093

O'Bryan Plumbing Services is a plumbing company serving Dallas, TX, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including water heater repair and installation, sewer and drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose and address plumbing issues. Established in 1982, O'Bryan Plumbing Services brings decades of experience to their work, providing comprehensive plumbing maintenance and repair services to residential customers.

5.0

601 Reviews

JL Hearn Plumbing

219 Deer Cross Ln, Timberwood Park, TX 78260

JL Hearn Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby areas including Timberwood Park and Stone Oak. With over 30 years of experience and a Texas Master Plumber license, they provide a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater repair and installation, sewer line cleaning and repair, leak detection, water softener service, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced equipment for leak detection and offers whole-house water filtration system installations. JL Hearn Plumbing is known for upfront pricing, fast scheduling, and pressure-free service.

5.0

456 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Systems

Unlike traditional storage tank heaters that constantly keep a large volume of water hot, tankless (or on-demand) water heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where either a gas burner or an electric element instantly heats it. This provides a continuous supply of hot water and is typically more energy-efficient, as it only consumes fuel when needed ¹.

For Texas homes, the primary benefit is an endless supply of hot water, ideal for large families, big soaker tubs, or multiple showers back-to-back. They also have a longer average lifespan than tank heaters and free up valuable floor space. However, the upfront installation cost is higher, and the system must be properly sized for your home's peak hot water demand to be effective.

Gas vs. Electric: Choosing the Right Fuel Type for Your Texas Home

The choice between a gas or electric tankless system is one of the most significant decisions, impacting installation complexity, operating costs, and performance.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters Gas models, powered by natural gas or propane, are the most common choice in Texas due to their high flow rate and ability to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously ^{1 2}. They are particularly well-suited for whole-house applications in medium to large homes.

• Natural Gas: The most common fuel in urban and suburban areas. It's generally cost-effective and provides powerful heating.
• Propane: Used in rural areas where natural gas lines are not available. It requires a propane tank on the property.
• Key Considerations: Gas units require a dedicated gas line that is often larger than what served an old tank heater ^{3 2}. They also require specialized, expensive stainless steel venting to exhaust combustion gases safely outdoors ^{1 4}. Installation is more complex and must be performed by a plumber licensed to work with gas lines.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters Electric units are simpler to install as they don't require gas lines or venting ^{5 2}. They are compact and can be easier to place in various locations.

• Key Considerations: The major hurdle is electrical demand. A whole-house electric tankless heater may require a significant upgrade to your home's electrical service panel and the installation of multiple, high-amperage dedicated circuits ^{5 3}. This can add substantial cost. They are often best suited for point-of-use applications (like a single remote bathroom) or smaller homes with lower simultaneous hot water needs.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

Professional installation is not a recommendation; it's a requirement for safety, warranty validation, and compliance with Texas building codes. Here's a step-by-step overview of what a licensed professional will do.

1. Site Evaluation and Permitting A qualified plumber will first assess your home's needs: calculating your peak hot water demand (based on fixtures and occupants), evaluating your existing gas and electrical capacity, and determining the best location for the unit. They will then secure the necessary permits from your local municipality, which is a legal requirement in most Texas cities to ensure the work meets safety codes ^{1 6}.

2. Preparation and Removal The installer will shut off the water supply, gas line, or electrical power to the existing heater. The old tank unit is drained, disconnected, and removed from the premises.

3. Gas Line and Venting Upgrades (For Gas Units) This is often the most labor-intensive part. If your existing gas line is undersized, a new, larger line will be run from the meter to the new unit's location ^{3 2}. Simultaneously, the proper type of sealed, stainless-steel vent pipe will be installed to route exhaust gases directly outside, following strict code requirements for clearance and termination ^{1 4}.

4. Electrical Upgrades (For Electric Units) For an electric installation, the plumber will coordinate with an electrician to install new, dedicated circuit breakers in your panel and run heavy-gauge wiring to the installation site ^{5 3}.

5. Mounting and Plumbing Connections The new tankless unit is securely mounted to wall studs. New water lines (copper or PEX) are run for the cold water inlet and hot water outlet. Isolation valves and, in many areas, a pressure relief valve are installed.

6. Final Connection and Testing The unit is connected to the gas and venting or electrical systems. The water supply is turned on, the system is purged of air, and the installer meticulously checks for gas and water leaks. The unit is then fired up, its settings are adjusted, and its operation is verified to ensure it delivers hot water correctly and efficiently ^{7 8}.

Texas Building Codes and Licensing Requirements

Adherence to code is non-negotiable for safety. Texas follows the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC), with local amendments. Key requirements include:

• Licensing: All plumbing and gas fitting work must be performed by a licensed plumber ^{1 6}. Always verify a professional's license with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
• Permits: A permit is required for installation in most jurisdictions, such as College Station ⁶. The permitting process involves an inspection to ensure the installation is safe and correct.
• Venting: Gas units have strict rules on venting material (corrosion-resistant), sizing, length, and termination location to prevent dangerous backdrafting of carbon monoxide ¹.
• Gas Line Sizing: Codes specify required pipe diameter based on the unit's BTU input and the length of the pipe run to ensure adequate gas volume and pressure ³.

Cost Breakdown for Installation in Texas

The total cost for a tankless water heater installation in Texas is highly variable, but understanding the components helps set realistic expectations. Labor often exceeds the cost of the unit itself due to the complexity of the work ^{9 4}.

• Equipment Cost: The unit itself can range from $250 for a basic electric point-of-use model to over $3,600 for a high-output whole-house gas model ^{9 10}.
• Labor and Installation Cost: This is the most significant variable, typically ranging from $2,400 to $5,400 or more ^{9 4}. This fee covers the licensed plumber's expertise, time, and all necessary materials (piping, venting, fittings, etc.).
• Additional Upgrade Costs: These are common and add to the total:
  • Gas line upgrade: $500 - $2,000+
  • New electrical circuit/panel upgrade: $800 - $3,000+
  • Stainless steel venting kit: $300 - $1,200
• Total Project Cost: For a full replacement of a traditional tank with a new whole-house gas tankless system, Texas homeowners should be prepared for a total investment in the range of $4,500 to $10,000+ ^{9 4 11}. Electric conversions can be at the higher end if a major electrical service upgrade is needed.

Common Repair and Maintenance Needs

While generally reliable, tankless water heaters require maintenance to perform optimally over their lifespan.

• Descaling (Flushing): This is the most critical maintenance task, especially in Texas areas with hard water. Mineral scale (limescale) builds up inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency, water flow, and eventually causing damage. Gas units are particularly susceptible ^{1 12}. A professional descaling involves circulating a vinegar or mild acid solution through the unit annually or bi-annually.
• Component Failure: Like any appliance, components can fail. Common issues include faulty flow sensors, ignition problems (gas units), or heating element failures (electric units) ^{5 12}. Error codes on the unit's display can help a technician diagnose the problem.
• Venting or Air Supply Issues: For gas units, blocked or damaged venting is a serious safety hazard. Ensuring the air intake and exhaust terminals are clear of debris is important.

Frequently asked questions

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